Handheld vacuum cleaner, and vacuum cleaner comprising a handheld vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A handheld vacuum cleaner having an air inlet, an air outlet, a fan configured to rotate around a fan axis to create an air flow through an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a separation device arranged in the air flow path. The separation device is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path. The air flow path comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan in an extension direction, and wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner. The present disclosure further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a holder for a handheld vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses an air pump, most often a centrifugal fan, to create a partial vacuum in order to suck up dust and dirt from surfaces, such as floors, carpets, and the like. Different kinds of vacuum cleaners are known. Among them, upright/stick type vacuum cleaners and handheld vacuum cleaners. These types of vacuum cleaner generally have an elongated body with a nozzle in one end and a handle in the other end. A housing with a fan and filter may be attached to the elongated body and may extend substantially in parallel thereto. Such a housing may comprise a fan and motor, a dust collector, a filter, and other necessary parts.

Handheld vacuum cleaners and upright/stick type vacuum cleaners allow a user to remove dust and debris in a relatively easy and efficient manner and may be operated with a single hand grip. Handheld vacuum cleaners have become increasingly popular. Reasons for this might be that they are simple to use and require little space when not in use.

In general, some problems and requirements exist when designing vacuum cleaners. One example is the cleaning efficiency. Users of vacuum cleaners expect a high cleaning efficiency in order to achieve a good cleaning result with little effort. Another problem is noise level during operation. Noise generated by a vacuum cleaner is usually annoying for the user and for persons in the vicinity of the vacuum cleaner. Still another problem is to provide a user-friendly vacuum cleaner which can be used in a simple and intuitive manner. A further problem is energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner. These problems and requirements are usually conflicting problems and requirements. That is, an easy way to increase the cleaning efficiency of a vacuum cleaner is to increase the power of the fan.

However, as a result thereof, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner as well as the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner will increase.

Moreover, generally, on today's consumer market, it is an advantage if products, such as vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner components, have conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a handheld vacuum cleaner comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and a fan configured to rotate around a fan axis to create an air flow through an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a separation device arranged in the air flow path. The separation device is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path. The air flow path comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan in an extension direction, and wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees.

Since the vacuum cleaner comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan in the extension direction, and since the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in an efficient manner. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise.

Furthermore, since the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the fan. Moreover, since the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, conditions are provided for a vacuum cleaner having a well-balanced weight distribution, which facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.

Accordingly, a handheld vacuum cleaner is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the length of the sound reducing section is greater than 5 cm. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise. Furthermore, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the length of the sound reducing section is at least 20%, or at least 30%, of the distance between the air inlet and the air outlet of the vacuum cleaner. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise. Furthermore, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the sound reducing section comprises one or more blades protruding into the sound reducing section so as to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section. Thereby, the flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section is significantly reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. Moreover, due to the one or more blades protruding into the sound reducing section, the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner can be further lowered. This because turbulent flow of air in the sound reducing section is significantly lowered.

Optionally, each blade of the one or more blades protrudes in a direction parallel to the fan axis. Thereby, vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner. Moreover, the one or more blades have conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the sound reducing section comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion, and wherein a cross sectional area of the second portion is smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the cross sectional area of the second portion is at least 30% smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion. Thereby, it is ensured that the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the one or more blades is/are arranged upstream of the second portion. Thereby, vortex flow of air in the second portion of the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner. As a result thereof, the flow resistance of air flowing through the second portion of the sound reducing section is significantly reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. As a further result of these features, the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.

Optionally, the sound reducing section comprises a narrowing portion between the first and second portions. Thereby, the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the one or more blades is/are arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion. Thereby, vortex flow of air in the narrowing portion, and in the second portion downstream of the narrowing portion of the sound reducing section, is counteracted in an efficient manner. As a result thereof, the flow resistance of air flowing through the narrowing portion, and through the second portion downstream of the narrowing portion of the sound reducing section, is significantly reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. As a further result of these features, the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.

Optionally, the sound reducing section comprises a third portion downstream of the second portion, and wherein the cross sectional area of the third portion is greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion. Thereby, the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner, while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the cross sectional area of the third portion is at least 30% greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion. Thereby, it is ensured that the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner, while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, the length of the second portion, measured in a direction coinciding with the fan axis, is more than 3 cm, or more than 5 cm. Thereby, it is ensured that the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in an efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, outer surfaces of the second portion form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided in which a portion of the sound reducing section forms a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner. As a result thereof, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises a motor configured to rotate the fan around the fan axis, and wherein the motor is arranged in the first portion of the sound reducing section. Thereby, the motor is cooled in an efficient manner by the air flowing through the sound reducing section during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises a battery configured to provide electricity to the motor, and wherein the battery is arranged in the third portion of the sound reducing section. Thereby, the battery is cooled in an efficient manner by the air flowing through the sound reducing section during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a user-friendly vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design.

Optionally, the third portion comprises the air outlet. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation.

Optionally, the air outlet comprises a shield. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.

Optionally, the shield is configured to direct the air to directions being angled relative to the fan axis. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section. Moreover, conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the shield is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions relative to the fan axis. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section. Moreover, conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion of the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a still further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion of the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a still further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.

Optionally, the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 25 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or around 0 degrees.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner comprising a shaft part and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the shaft part comprises a handle, two tube parts, a floor nozzle, and a holder for the handheld vacuum cleaner arranged between the two tube parts.

Since the vacuum cleaner comprises a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise. Furthermore, since the sound reducing section of the handheld vacuum cleaner extends from the fan in an extension direction, and wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the fan of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned between the two tube parts when the handheld vacuum cleaner is attached to the holder. Thereby, conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first cross section of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments,

FIG. 2 illustrates a second cross section of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 1 with some components removed,

FIG. 3 illustrates a third cross section of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a vacuum cleaner according to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-FIG. 3, and

FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first cross section of a handheld vacuum cleaner 1 according to some embodiments. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is in some places herein referred to as “the vacuum cleaner”. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an air inlet 3, an air outlet 5, and a fan 7. The fan 7 is powered by an electric motor 27. The electric motor 27 is configured to rotate the fan 7 around a fan axis ax. The cross section of FIG. 1 is made through a plane comprising the fan axis ax. The fan 7 is configured to rotate around the fan axis ax to create an air flow through an air flow path 9. The air flow path 9 extends from the air inlet 3 to the air outlet 5. The electric motor 27 may comprise ball bearings and may be rubber suspended relative a housing 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this manner, less noise is generated during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a separation device 11 arranged in the air flow path 9. The separation device 11 is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path 9. The separation device 11 may comprise a dust bag, a filter, a cyclone separator, or the like.

The air flow path 9 comprises a sound reducing section 13 arranged downstream of the fan 7. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the sound reducing section 13 extends from the fan 7 in an extension direction d. According to the illustrated embodiments, the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax. According to further embodiments, the angle al between the extension direction d of the sound reducing section 13 and the fan axis ax may be less than 45 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or around 0 degrees. Due to these features, as is further explained herein, the noise generated by the fan 7 and the electric motor 27 is attenuated in an efficient manner. Moreover, as is further explained herein, conditions are provided for a user-friendly vacuum cleaner 1 having a balanced weight distribution. The feature that the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax, as mentioned herein, may encompass that a distance between the fan axis ax and the sound reducing section 13 is less than 5 cm along the extent of the sound reducing section 13. Moreover, the feature that the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax may encompass that the angle between the fan axis ax and the extent of the sound reducing section 13 is less than 10 degrees.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 is approximately 53.5% of the distance L2 between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1. According to further embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 may be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%, of the distance L2 between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1. According to some embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 is greater than 5 cm, or greater than 7 cm. Thereby, the noise generated by the fan 7 and the electric motor 27 can be attenuated in an efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section 13. Moreover, as is further explained herein, conditions are provided for a user-friendly vacuum cleaner 1 having a balanced weight distribution.

The sound reducing section 13 comprises a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 downstream of the first portion 21. Moreover, the sound reducing section 13 comprises a narrowing portion 21′ between the first and second portions 21, 22. Furthermore, the sound reducing section 13 comprises a third portion 23 downstream of the second portion 22. According to the illustrated embodiments, the sound reducing section 13, and the portions 21, 21′, 22, 23 thereof is formed by inner surfaces of the housing 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The housing 6 may be provided in a polymeric material.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 is smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 is approximately 9 045 mm² and the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 is approximately 910 mm². According to further embodiments, the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 may be within the range of 8 000-12 000 mm², and the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 may be within the range of 700-1500 mm². According to some embodiments, the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 may be at least 30% smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21.

Moreover, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 is greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 is approximately 6 901 mm². According to further embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 may be within the range of 4 500-9 000 mm². According to some embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 may be at least 30% greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the motor 27 is arranged in the first portion 21 of the sound reducing section 13. Moreover, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a battery 29 configured to provide electricity to the motor 27. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the battery 29 is arranged in the third portion 23 of the sound reducing section 13. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises electrical wires 28 for transferring electricity between the battery 29 and the motor 27. The electrical wires 28 extends through the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second cross section of the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 with some components removed to provide a better view of the sound reducing section 13 and the features thereof. As indicated in FIG. 2, the sound reducing section 13 comprises a set of blades 15 protruding into the sound reducing section 13. The blades 15 are configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section 13. According to the illustrated embodiments, the blades 15 of the set of blades 15 are arranged upstream of the second portion 22 and upstream of the narrowing portion 21′. According to further embodiments, the blades 15 of the set of blades 15 may be arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion 21′. In this manner, vortex flow of air in the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13 is counteracted in an efficient manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third cross section of the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The third cross section of FIG. 3 is made in a plane perpendicular to the fan axis ax at the first portion 21 of the sound reducing section 13. As best seen in FIG. 3, each blade 15 of the set of blades 15 protrudes into the sound reducing section 13 in a direction parallel to the fan axis ax. In this manner, vortex flow of air is efficiently counteracted when the air is flowing from the first portion 21 into the second portion 22 via the narrowing portion 21′. Moreover, since each blade 15 of the set of blades 15 protrudes into the sound reducing section 13 in a direction parallel to the fan axis ax, a vacuum cleaner 1 is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 4, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an activation button 32 and a battery level indicator 34. Below, simultaneous reference is made to FIG. 1-FIG. 4. As is indicated in FIG. 4, as well as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, outer surfaces 25 of the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13 form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1. According to the illustrated embodiments, the length L3 of the second portion 22, measured in a direction d coinciding with the fan axis ax, is sufficient for accommodating at least four fingers of a hand of a user. According to some embodiments, the length L3 of the second portion 22, measured in a direction d coinciding with the fan axis ax, is more than 3 cm, or more than 5 cm.

Since the outer surfaces 25 of the second portion 22 form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1, and since the battery 29 is arranged in the third portion 23 of the sound reducing section 13 and the motor 27 is arranged in the first portion 21 of the sound reducing section 13, a vacuum cleaner 1 is provided having a well-balanced weight distribution, which facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner 1.

As indicated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the third portion 23 comprises the air outlet 5. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the air outlet 5 comprises a shield 31. The shield 31 is configured to direct the air flowing through the air outlet 5 to directions d2 being angled relative to the fan axis ax, as indicated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the shield 31 is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions d2 relative to the fan axis ax. Due to these features, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner 1 is further attenuated and the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 1. Furthermore, as indicated in FIG. 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a section 36 blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1, wherein the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 is the side that faces the forearm of the user when the user grips the handle of the vacuum cleaner 1 in an intended grip direction. Moreover, the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises the activation button 32 and the battery level indicator 34. Due to the section 36 blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1, the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause even less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 1.

As indicated in FIG. 2, the vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise at least one sound absorbing unit 33, 35 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section 13. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a sound absorbing unit 33 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13, and a sound absorbing unit 35 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion 23 of the sound reducing section 13. The sound absorbing units 33, 35 may each be provided in an air permeable material, such as a foam material. The sound absorbing units 33, 35 may also be a surface coating on the inside of any of the first to third portions 21,22,23 of the sound reduction section 13. Due to the sound absorbing units 33, 35, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner 1 is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum cleaner 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum cleaner 2 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a stick-type vacuum cleaner 2. The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a shaft part 41 and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-FIG. 4. The shaft part 41 comprises a handle 43, two tube parts 45, a floor nozzle 47, and a holder 49 for the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 arranged between the two tube parts 45. In FIG. 5, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the holder 49 of the vacuum cleaner 2. When in this position, the air inlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is fluidly connected to the floor nozzle 47.

As seen in FIG. 5, the air outlet 5 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is positioned between the two tube parts 45 when the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the holder 49. In this manner, the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 2 while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the air outlet 5 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof. 

1. A handheld vacuum cleaner comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet; a fan located in the air flow path and configured to rotate around a fan axis to create an air flow, through the air flow path, from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a separation device located in the air flow path and configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path; wherein the air flow path comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan to the air outlet in an extension direction, and wherein an angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees.
 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a length of the sound reducing section in the extension direction is greater than 5 cm.
 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a length of the sound reducing section in the extension direction is at least 30% of a distance between the air inlet and the air outlet.
 4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the sound reducing section comprises one or more blades protruding into the air flow path in the sound reducing section and configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section.
 5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein each blade of the one or more blades extends in a direction parallel to the fan axis.
 6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the sound reducing section comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion, and wherein a cross sectional area of the second portion, as viewed along the extension direction is smaller than a cross sectional area of the first portion, as viewed along the extension direction.
 7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the cross sectional area of the second portion is at least 30% smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion.
 8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the sound reducing section comprises one or more blades protruding into the air flow path in the sound reducing section and configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section and wherein each of the one or more blades is arranged upstream of the second portion.
 9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the sound reducing section comprises a narrowing portion between the first and second portions.
 10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the sound reducing section comprises one or more blades protruding into the air flow path in the sound reducing section and configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section, and wherein each of the one or more blades is arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion.
 11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the sound reducing section comprises a third portion downstream of the second portion, and wherein a cross sectional area of the third portion, as viewed along the extension direction, is greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion.
 12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the cross sectional area of the third portion is at least 30% greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion.
 13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein a length of the second portion, measured in a direction coinciding with the fan axis, is more than 3 cm, or more than 5 cm.
 14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein an outer surface of the second portion comprises a handle configured for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
 15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a motor configured to rotate the fan around the fan axis, and wherein the motor is arranged in the first portion.
 16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein: the sound reducing section comprises a third portion downstream of the second portion, and a cross sectional area of the third portion, as viewed along the extension direction, is greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion; and the vacuum cleaner comprises a battery located in the third portion and configured to provide electricity to the motor.
 17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the third portion comprises the air outlet.
 18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a shield located at the air outlet.
 19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein the shield is configured to direct the air to directions that are angled away from the fan axis.
 20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein the shield is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions relative to the fan axis.
 21. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section.
 22. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, further comprising at least one sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion of the sound reducing section.
 23. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion of the sound reducing section.
 24. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 10 degrees.
 25. A vacuum cleaner comprising a shaft part and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the shaft part comprises a handle, two tube parts a floor nozzle, and a holder configured to hold the handheld vacuum cleaner between the two tube parts.
 26. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 25, wherein the air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned between the two tube parts when the handheld vacuum cleaner is attached to the holder.
 27. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 21, wherein the sound absorbing material comprises an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating. 